2005 Honda Accord Review

Specifications

Oft Overlooked and Underappreciated

If I was in the market for a two-door sports coupe, theres a very strong possibility that a Honda EX V6 Coupe would find its way into my garage. Although I admire the sleek profile and solid build quality of Hondas mid-size, mid-priced pavement scorcher, its the punch of its syrupy-smooth V6 paired with a precise-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox that would coax the greenbacks from my monthly pay packet. And heres the sweetest part of all: In my opinion, to meet or beat the Accord Coupes level of refined performance, many more greenbacks (or perhaps Euros) would be required from my meager monthly pay.

Little has changed with the Accord Coupe for 2005, save for increased airbag protection as standard equipment and newly illuminated steering wheel controls. The current generation of Accord was introduced in 2003 and the next major revision isnt planned until 2008, so buying this taut-handling coupe in 2005 is unlikely to result in the disappointment of seeing its styling become dated and value immediately plummet by the onset of a new model, although some minor facelift alterations can be expected for next year. Nevertheless, the Accord Coupe remains fresh in its appearance thanks to its low profile and mixture of sharp angles and rounded surfaces, combined with a long nose and short trunk.

What may be more important to Honda loyalists is the fact that this wind-cheating coupe is accurately assembled. Closing the doors produces that much-desired “whump” of quality, historically viewed as more Europeanish than Japanese. Speaking of European likeness, if I was seated blind-folded in the Accord Coupe EX and could only rely upon my sense of smell to identify the cars make I would, with all the confidence and cockiness of an overpaid lawyer, declare it a Jaguar. The smell of the Accords tanned hides is just that convincing. With the blindfold removed, there would be little doubt about Honda branding, which begins with the Accords distinctively styled center stack and information/navigation screen.

But before diving into the merits and/or shortcomings of such details, Honda has done a particularly good job of constructing an attractive, functional office within the cars sleek metal skin. The materials in use are generally of high quality and tightly joined. The illuminated primary gauges are clear and easy to read regardless of direct sunlight or the use of sunglasses. The aforementioned HVAC and audio information is displayed on the neighboring LCD screen, which doubles as a navigation screen when so equipped. All switchgear functions smoothly while imparting a sense of precision. Two large rotary dials beneath the screen control the dual-zone climate control temperature settings, with the center dial controlling audio volume. Operating substantive dials such as these is pleasurable due to their simplicity and ease of use. Too bad that I occasionally found my right index finger searching for the small buttons that control fan speed. My world would have been complete if Honda had assigned this most basic task to a rotary dial as well.

A strong point in the Accord since 2003 has been its seating. In addition to smelling Jaguarish, the front buckets in my tester were wonderfully comfortable and supportive. Honda didnt skimp of the size of these perches to reduce cost or increase interior volume, and I am glad; as theres nothing more irritating on road-trips than seats that dont provide effective support, especially for long-legged breeds like yours truly. The long-legged will also find relief in the room the Accord Coupe supplies for those limbs- well, up front that is. Legroom at the rear can be cramped unless the front seat is positioned forward, but hey, this is a coupe not an S-Class Mercedes - even if the taillights remind me of those on the big Merc. Surprisingly headroom is fairly generous given the Accords slim roofline, so therefore six-footers should experience no hair-flattening trauma in any of the seating positions.

Also, the split rear seats fold flat creating a decent-size cargo area. Unfortunately this coupe is not a hatchback, and unlike the large, accommodating liftback that could have been, its small trunk design tends to restrict access to the rear seat the cargo area.

Also on the restricted side is rearward visibility, as the sleek shape of the rear side glass and the wide sloping B-pillar combine to exacerbate the traditional blind spot. This can easily be overcome with a little more vigilance and the diligent use of side mirrors when reversing or lane changing.

And so its off we go. The first observation I felt bound to comment on is the coupes remarkable level of refinement. The eloquent commentary usually goes something like this; “Boy is this thing smooth,” (more in reference to the cars buttery V6 than its ride). And thats why it ranks high on the Rotho-meter. Hondas 3.0-liter (183 cu in), 24-valve, SOHC, VTEC V6 whirls-out 240-horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 212 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. No, these arent the most impressive V6 figures ever, but they are commendable when keeping in mind the Accord Coupes svelte 3,291 lb curb weight. The resulting power-to-weight ratio allows the car to shine bright when pushed hard.

Power is initially a little slow to step up to the plate, but as the tachometer rounds 5,000 rpm Hondas VTEC variable valve timing technology delivers a noticeable kick, not to mention growl. This is an engine that proves its worth at higher rpm levels, which is where it loves to live. Keeping it there is a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox that clicks from one cog to the next with precision enough to make a watchmaker in Seikos Sportura Kinetic Chronograph department smile.

Unfortunately theres a flaw in this well matched duo of mechanical wizardry, and thats the Accords front-wheel-drive configuration. Drat! Its such an excellent drivetrain otherwise. Sure, Honda has eliminated much of the dreaded torque-steer that plagued earlier models, but it still requires a vice-like grip on the steering wheel with one hand while the other is mixing cogs during performance runs. Ruts in the road surface can play devil with front-wheel drive vehicles under heavy acceleration as well, and the Accord Coupe is no exception. But let me emphasize, normal and even fairly enthusiastic driving is generally free of such symptoms.

As standard equipment, the V6 Accord Coupe is fitted with 4-wheel, power-assisted antilock disc brakes that scrub-off speed with ease and efficiency. Pedal effort is light in all braking situations, including emergency stops which proved to be brief and free of any undesirable traits.

Also free of undesirable traits is the Coupes handling prowess. Turn-in is very quick thanks to Hondas speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering plus the P205/50R 17-inch rubber accompanying the 6-speed manual gearbox selection (16-inch wheels are standard). When rushed through a corner the Accord Coupe delivers informative road-feel and steering feedback while remaining stable and predictable throughout.

The chassis engineers at Honda managed to keep the coupes ride on the comfortable side when calibrating its suspension, despite the cars fine handling characteristics. Much of their success can be attributed to the coupes rigid body structure, allowing for longer suspension travel and therefore greater absorption. Most road roughness is cancelled out by the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup, without transmitting annoying suspension thump or shudder into the cabin. Road noise is also very well controlled, with wind noise only becoming apparent at highway speeds or greater.

And at such speeds its comforting to know that for 2005 Honda has taken safety to a new height by installing a full array of airbags as standard equipment. These include driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, driver and front passenger side-airbags and side curtain airbags.

While not as critical as airbags, Honda has nevertheless generously stocked the top-line Accord Coupe with many more convenience and/or luxury oriented amenities such as dual climate control, a 6-speaker 6-disc in-dash audio system, cruise control, power seats, leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, auto up/down power windows, power mirrors, tilt/telescopic steering, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a satellite-based voice activated navigation system, and more.

In the end, despite its front-wheel-drive arrangement the Accord Coupe EX V6 is a treat to drive. Its tremendous operational refinement and comfortable ride combine with taut handling to produce an underappreciated coupe that delivers performance on par with some premium brands manufactured across the Atlantic, not the Pacific. Too bad Honda remains stuck on front-wheel drive. At least thats the way I see it.